“Also some areas may see a period of ice pellets or freezing rain during the transition from snow to rain. The rain will end during the day Friday as the low-pressure system moves away from the region.”

Significant rainfall is likely with this system, the weather service says, and rainfall totals in excess of 25 millimetres are possible in some areas.

Strong winds are also expected with this system Thursday night and Friday.

“These strong winds combined with higher than normal water levels over the Gulf of St. Lawrence may push pack ice onto the north shore late in the day Friday,” said a statement from Environment Canada.

With the storm brewing, Environment Canada is advising those planning to travel or to do other weather sensitive activities to monitor future forecasts for more information, as warnings may be required.

In addition, Saturday night another low-pressure system is expected to track toward Atlantic Canada.

“It is still too early to determine the exact timings and types of precipitation which will be associated with this system,” Environment Canada says but forecasts call for snow late Saturday and again on Sunday.